Chantal Acda (b. 1978) has worked under the Sleepingdog moniker since 2006, making three affectionately received albums; Naked In A Clean Bed (2006), Polar Life (2008) and, most recently, With Our Heads in the Clouds and Our Hearts in the Fields, in which she worked closely with Adam Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid, A Winged Victory For The Sullen). They toured the UK and Benelux with Low. At the same time, she was a constant on-stage presence with Isbells. After all this, it was time for her first real solo record. Playing in various formations had made her conscious of the patterns that we all, as humans, share in. So she sought out kindred spirits with whom she might record an album filled with freedom and intensity, and who were conscious of the patterns we so often fall back on.
Nils Frahm was the first of these to cross her path. The German pianist reaches in and touches with his intense records and adventurous performances. Acda also experienced a direct bond with Peter Broderick. We know this multi-instrumentalist from his solo work and from his work with, among others,Efterklang. Cellist extraordinaire Gyda Valtysdottir had previously worked with Chantal as a member of the Sleepingdog live band. She had previously played in Icelandic group múm. Shahzad Ismaily stumbled into this picture by chance, but when Chantal and he found themselves in the same room they formed an instant rapport.
The circle completed, Acda had found the 4 worlds that would enable her to record an album wherein she might go in search of those boundaries and patterns. In full freedom. Power revealed through vulnerability. Nils Frahm, who played all over the record, also took on the role of producer. What began as a journey ended as a wonderful record - one wherein the five musicians were able to find their place and, together, and with great warmth, tell their nine-song story. Let Your Hands Be My Guide released 11.11.13 on Gizeh Records. www.chantalacda.com
